Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday condemned the presence of Russian drones in Romanian territory.

The Kremlin’s air surveillance in Ukraine has persisted while unmanned aircrafts have been reported in neighboring nations this week.

“The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air. Their routes are always calculated. This cannot be a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders,” Zelensky said in a statement on X.

“It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia – and this is exactly how they act. Small steps at first, and eventually big losses,” he continued. 

The Romanian Air Force deployed two F-16 fighter jets to track the drone presence before it disappeared near Chilia Veche, according to officials.

The country’s leaders denounced the surprise onslaught of drones, citing security concerns for citizens.

“Romania condemns Russia’s reckless behavior, which threatens regional stability. Together with our @NATO Allies, we remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of Allied airspace,” Ionut Mosteanu, Romania’s Minister of National Defense said in a post on X, noting the population was never in danger. 

On Wednesday, Russian drones were found in Polish airspace causing the country to invoke NATO’s Article 4, convening member nations to develop a collective response to a potential threat.

President Trump told reporters the crossover into Polish territory “could have been a mistake,” but other world figures rejected the notion, instead categorizing the measure as Moscow’s escalation of war.

“Sanctions against Russia are needed. Tariffs against Russian trade are needed. Collective defense is needed – and Ukraine has proposed to its partners the creation of just such a system of protection,” Zelensky said Saturday.

“Do not wait for dozens of ‘shaheds’ and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions.”